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US20100168694A1 - Infrared Wetness Detection System For An Absorbent Article - Google Patents

Infrared Wetness Detection System For An Absorbent Article Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100168694A1
US20100168694A1 US12/636,888 US63688809A US2010168694A1 US 20100168694 A1 US20100168694 A1 US 20100168694A1 US 63688809 A US63688809 A US 63688809A US 2010168694 A1 US2010168694 A1 US 2010168694A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
absorbent article
signaling device
infrared
paired
generator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/636,888
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sudhanshu Gakhar
Sridhar Ranganathan
Thomas Michael Ales, III
Randall George Sarkis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/347,539 external-priority patent/US8274393B2/en
Priority to US12/636,888 priority Critical patent/US20100168694A1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Assigned to KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. reassignment KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GAKHAR, SUDHANSHU, ALES III, THONMAS MICHAEL, RANGANATHAN, SRIDHAR, SARKIS, RANDALL GEORGE
Publication of US20100168694A1 publication Critical patent/US20100168694A1/en
Priority to AU2010332429A priority patent/AU2010332429B2/en
Priority to BR112012013127-3A priority patent/BR112012013127B1/pt
Priority to RU2012129670/12A priority patent/RU2553008C2/ru
Priority to KR1020127015214A priority patent/KR101768242B1/ko
Priority to CN201080053786.3A priority patent/CN102630156B/zh
Priority to PCT/IB2010/055275 priority patent/WO2011073825A2/en
Priority to EP10837136.0A priority patent/EP2512392B1/en
Priority to MX2012006848A priority patent/MX2012006848A/es
Priority to ARP100104428A priority patent/AR079176A1/es
Assigned to KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. reassignment KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. NAME CHANGE Assignors: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/42—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/505—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with separable parts, e.g. combination of disposable and reusable parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3554—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for determining moisture content
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
    • G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
    • G01N21/3577—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing liquids, e.g. polluted water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/42—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm
    • A61F2013/424—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm having an electronic device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
    • A61F2013/8476—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads with various devices or method
    • A61F2013/8479—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads with various devices or method including electric or magnetic devices
    • A61F2013/8482—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads with various devices or method including electric or magnetic devices including numeric control, e.g. using computer

Definitions

  • Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, swim undergarments, and the like, conventionally include a liquid permeable body-side liner, a liquid impermeable outer cover, and an absorbent structure.
  • the absorbent structure is typically located between the outer cover and the liner for taking in and retaining liquids (e.g., urine) exuded by the wearer.
  • the absorbent structure can be made of, for instance, superabsorbent particles.
  • the wetness indicators include various passive indicators such as indicator strips, printing, or other devices within each absorbent article, requiring a caregiver to pay for the wetness indicator in each absorbent article whether or not the caregiver intends to use the wetness indicator.
  • Wetness indicators can also include alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendants in identifying a wet diaper condition early on. The devices can produce an audible, tactile, electromagnetic, or visual signal. Many of these devices rely on electronics, including conductive elements within each absorbent article that can increase the expense of the absorbent article.
  • conductive threads or foils have been placed in the absorbent articles that extend from the front of the article to the back of the article.
  • the conductive materials serve as conductive leads for a signaling device and form an open circuit in the article that can be closed when a body fluid, such as urine, closes the circuit.
  • packaged absorbent articles are typically fed through a metal detector to ensure that there are no foreign objects contained in the package. If the conductive leads are made from or contain a metal, the metal detector can be activated registering a false positive.
  • the incorporation of metallic materials into absorbent articles can also cause problems for those wearing the garments when attempting to pass through security gates that include metal detectors.
  • the present inventors undertook intensive research and development efforts with respect to improving absorbent articles, particularly in providing a wetness indicator only when desired by a caregiver and without adding to the cost of an absorbent article.
  • a non-invasive sensor measures infrared reflectance at some depth within an absorbent article.
  • a useful approach is a paired IR generator/detector system that can be attached to an appropriate target zone on the outer cover of the absorbent article.
  • the present disclosure is generally directed to various signaling systems that are particularly well suited for use in conjunction with absorbent articles.
  • the signaling systems can be connected to a signaling device that can be configured to emit a signal, such as an audible, tactile, electromagnetic or visual signal, for indicating to a user that a body fluid is present in the absorbent article.
  • a signal such as an audible, tactile, electromagnetic or visual signal
  • the absorbent article includes a diaper and the signaling system is configured to indicate the presence of urine or a bowel movement.
  • the signaling systems can be configured to indicate the presence of yeast or metabolites.
  • a sensor can be mounted to an exterior surface of the absorbent article that is capable of sensing a change on the interior of the article that indicates the presence of a body fluid, such as urine, which is an infrared-absorbing fluid.
  • the sensor can include, for instance, a paired IR generator/detector system. Insulting the absorbent article with urine will create a change in infrared reflectance as some of the infrared is absorbed by the insult.
  • the sensor can be placed in communication with a signaling device. Once a change within the interior of the absorbent article is detected, the signaling device can be configured to emit a signal that indicates a body fluid is present in the absorbent article.
  • the present disclosure is directed to a signaling device for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a paired IR generator/detector disposed within the housing, the paired IR generator/detector adapted to sense a change in infrared light reflectance due to an insult to the absorbent article, the paired IR generator/detector including an infrared-generating light-emitting diode and an infrared-detecting phototransistor.
  • the present disclosure is also directed to a body exudate collection and detection system including an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article for detecting the presence of a body exudate therein, the signaling device including a housing and a paired IR generator/detector disposed within the housing, the paired IR generator/detector including an infrared-generating light-emitting diode and an infrared-detecting phototransistor.
  • the present disclosure is also directed to a signaling device for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article.
  • the device also includes a paired IR generator/detector disposed within the housing, the paired IR generator/detector including an infrared-generating light-emitting diode and an infrared-detecting phototransistor, wherein the signaling device is adapted to emit a signal when an insult within the absorbent structure is sensed by the paired IR generator/detector.
  • FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one aspect of an absorbent article
  • FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the absorbent article illustrated in FIG. 1 including one aspect of a wetness indicator of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 with the article in an unfastened, unfolded and laid flat condition showing the surface of the article that faces away from the wearer;
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3 showing the surface of the absorbent article that faces the wearer when worn and with portions cut away to show underlying features;
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a signaling device of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is the sensor transient response to repeated insults using the signaling device and absorbent article of the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure is generally directed to signaling systems for absorbent articles that indicate to a user when a body fluid has insulted the article.
  • the signaling system is designed to emit a signal when urine is detected in the absorbent article.
  • the absorbent article can be, for instance, a diaper, a training pant, an incontinence product, a feminine hygiene product, a medical garment, a bandage, and the like.
  • signaling systems made in accordance with the present disclosure can sense the presence of a body fluid within the absorbent article without having to construct the absorbent article with any elements or sensors contained in the interior of the article.
  • metallic conductive leads were typically placed within the interior of the absorbent article.
  • the signaling systems of the present disclosure can sense the presence of a body fluid from an exterior surface of the article that can greatly simplify the incorporation of the signaling system into the article.
  • the signaling system can have various configurations and designs.
  • an absorbent article 20 that can be used in conjunction with signaling systems of the present disclosure is shown.
  • the absorbent article 20 can be disposable or not. It is understood that the present disclosure is suitable for use with various other absorbent articles intended for personal wear, including but not limited to diapers, training pants, swim pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other personal care or health care garments, and the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 A diaper 20 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 in a partially fastened condition.
  • the diaper 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is also represented in FIGS. 3 and 4 in an opened and unfolded state.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the exterior side of the diaper 20
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the interior side of the diaper 20 .
  • the diaper 20 defines a longitudinal direction 48 that extends from the front of the article when worn to the back of the article. Orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 48 is a lateral direction 49 .
  • the diaper 20 defines a pair of longitudinal end regions, otherwise referred to herein as a front region 22 and a back region 24 , and a center region, otherwise referred to herein as a crotch region 26 , extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back regions 22 , 24 .
  • the diaper 20 also defines an inner surface 28 adapted in use (e.g., positioned relative to the other components of the article 20 ) to be disposed toward the wearer, and an outer surface 30 opposite the inner surface.
  • the front and back regions 22 , 24 are those portions of the diaper 20 , which, when worn, wholly or partially cover or encircle the waist or mid-lower torso of the wearer.
  • the crotch region 26 generally is that portion of the diaper 20 which, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso and crotch of the wearer.
  • the absorbent article 20 has a pair of laterally opposite side edges 36 and a pair of longitudinally opposite waist edges, respectively designated front waist edge 38 and back waist edge 39 .
  • the illustrated diaper 20 includes a chassis 32 that, in this aspect, encompasses the front region 22 , the back region 24 , and the crotch region 26 .
  • the chassis 32 includes an outer cover 40 and a bodyside liner 42 ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ) that can be joined to the outer cover 40 in a superimposed relation therewith by adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds or other conventional techniques.
  • the liner 42 can suitably be joined to the outer cover 40 along the perimeter of the chassis 32 to form a front waist seam 62 and a back waist seam 64 . As shown in FIG.
  • the liner 42 can suitably be joined to the outer cover 40 to form a pair of side seams 61 in the front region 22 and the back region 24 .
  • the liner 42 can be generally adapted, i.e., positioned relative to the other components of the article 20 , to be disposed toward the wearer's skin during wear of the absorbent article.
  • the chassis 32 can further include an absorbent structure 44 particularly shown in FIG. 4 disposed between the outer cover 40 and the bodyside liner 42 for absorbing liquid body exudates exuded by the wearer, and can further include a pair of containment flaps 46 secured to the bodyside liner 42 for inhibiting the lateral flow of body exudates.
  • the elasticized containment flaps 46 as shown in FIG. 4 define a partially unattached edge that assumes an upright configuration in at least the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 to form a seal against the wearer's body.
  • the containment flaps 46 can extend longitudinally along the entire length of the chassis 32 or can extend only partially along the length of the chassis. Suitable constructions and arrangements for the containment flaps 46 are generally well known to those skilled in the art and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,116 issued Nov. 3, 1987 to Enloe, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the diaper 20 can also suitably include leg elastic members 58 ( FIG. 4 ), as are known to those skilled in the art.
  • the leg elastic members 58 can be operatively joined to the outer cover 40 and/or the bodyside liner 42 and positioned in the crotch region 26 of the absorbent article 20 .
  • the leg elastic members 58 can be formed of any suitable elastic material.
  • suitable elastic materials include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers.
  • the elastic materials can be stretched and adhered to a substrate, adhered to a gathered substrate, or adhered to a substrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example with the application of heat, such that elastic retractive forces are imparted to the substrate.
  • the leg elastic members 58 can include a plurality of dry-spun coalesced multifilament spandex elastomeric threads sold under the trade name LYCRA and available from Invista, Wilmington, Del., U.S.A.
  • the absorbent article 20 can further include a surge management layer (not shown) that can be optionally located adjacent the absorbent structure 44 and attached to various components in the article 20 such as the absorbent structure 44 or the bodyside liner 42 by methods known in the art, such as by using an adhesive.
  • a surge management layer helps to decelerate and diffuse surges or gushes of liquid that can be rapidly introduced into the absorbent structure of the article.
  • the surge management layer can rapidly accept and temporarily hold the liquid prior to releasing the liquid into the storage or retention portions of the absorbent structure. Examples of suitable surge management layers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,166; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,846. Other suitable surge management materials are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,973. The entire disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent they are consistent (i.e., not in conflict) herewith.
  • the absorbent article 20 further includes a pair of opposing elastic side panels 34 that are attached to the back region of the chassis 32 .
  • the side panels 34 can be stretched around the waist and/or hips of a wearer to secure the garment in place.
  • the elastic side panels are attached to the chassis along a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 37 .
  • the side panels 34 can be attached or bonded to the chassis 32 using any suitable bonding technique. For instance, the side panels 34 can be joined to the chassis by adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, or other conventional techniques.
  • the elastic side panels can also be integrally formed with the chassis 32 .
  • the side panels 34 can include an extension of the bodyside liner 42 , of the outer cover 40 , or of both the bodyside liner 42 and the outer cover 40 .
  • the side panels 34 are connected to the back region of the absorbent article 20 and extend over the front region of the article when securing the article in place on a user. It should be understood, however, that the side panels 34 can alternatively be connected to the front region of the article 20 and extend over the back region when the article is donned.
  • the elastic side panels 34 can be connected by a fastening system 80 to define a 3-dimensional diaper configuration having a waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings 52 .
  • the waist opening 50 of the article 20 is defined by the waist edges 38 and 39 that encircle the waist of the wearer.
  • the side panels are releasably attachable to the front region 22 of the article 20 by the fastening system. It should be understood, however, that in other aspects the side panels can be permanently joined to the chassis 32 at each end. The side panels can be permanently bonded together, for instance, when forming a training pant or absorbent swimwear.
  • the elastic side panels 34 each have a longitudinal outer edge 68 , a leg end edge 70 disposed toward the longitudinal center of the diaper 20 , and waist end edges 72 disposed toward a longitudinal end of the absorbent article.
  • the leg end edges 70 of the absorbent article 20 can be suitably curved and/or angled relative to the lateral direction 49 to provide a better fit around the wearer's legs.
  • only one of the leg end edges 70 can be curved or angled, such as the leg end edge of the back region 24 , or alternatively, neither of the leg end edges can be curved or angled, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.
  • the outer edges 68 are generally parallel to the longitudinal direction 48 while the waist end edges 72 are generally parallel to the transverse axis 49 . It should be understood, however, that in other aspects the outer edges 68 and/or the waist edges 72 can be slanted or curved as desired.
  • the side panels 34 are generally aligned with a waist region 90 of the chassis.
  • the fastening system 80 can include laterally opposite first fastening components 82 adapted for refastenable engagement to corresponding second fastening components 84 .
  • the first fastening component 82 is located on the elastic side panels 34
  • the second fastening component 84 is located on the front region 22 of the chassis 32 .
  • a front or outer surface of each of the fastening components 82 , 84 includes a plurality of engaging elements. The engaging elements of the first fastening components 82 are adapted to repeatedly engage and disengage corresponding engaging elements of the second fastening components 84 to releasably secure the article 20 in its three-dimensional configuration.
  • the fastening components 82 , 84 can be any refastenable fasteners suitable for absorbent articles, such as adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, mechanical fasteners, or the like.
  • the fastening components include mechanical fastening elements for improved performance. Suitable mechanical fastening elements can be provided by interlocking geometric shaped materials, such as hooks, loops, bulbs, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stems, male and female mating components, buckles, snaps, or the like.
  • first fastening components 82 include hook fasteners and the second fastening components 84 include complementary loop fasteners.
  • first fastening components 82 can include loop fasteners and the second fastening components 84 can be complementary hook fasteners.
  • the fastening components 82 , 84 can be interlocking similar surface fasteners, or adhesive and cohesive fastening elements such as an adhesive fastener and an adhesive-receptive landing zone or material; or the like.
  • the absorbent article 20 can include various waist elastic members for providing elasticity around the waist opening.
  • the absorbent article 20 can include a front waist elastic member 54 and/or a back waist elastic member 56 .
  • a signaling device 110 includes a paired IR generator/detector 120 that is adapted to detect the presence of a body exudate in the absorbent article 20 .
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 includes an infrared-generating light-emitting diode (LED) and an infrared-detecting photo-transistor.
  • Optics technology such as that described herein can be used to detect wetness in an absorbent article. Light attenuates in water and is more readily absorbed by a wet article as opposed to a dry one. This absorption of light by water is especially significant in the near-infrared region of 800 to 980 nanometer wavelengths.
  • a paired IR generator/detector 120 particularly one tuned to this same wavelength of infrared light, can be used for wetness detection and indication in an absorbent article.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 and the components therein, can be selected to be tuned with one or more body exudates including urine.
  • an infrared-generating LED Light emitted by an infrared-generating LED is reflected off a surface close to the sensor system and is collected by the infrared-detecting phototransistor positioned adjacent to the infrared-generating LED.
  • the electrical current through the infrared-detecting phototransistor is detected by a voltage drop across a sensing resistor and is proportional to the intensity of the received infrared signal.
  • the infrared-detecting phototransistor When the product is dry, most of the infrared light emitted by the infrared-generating LED is reflected off various components of the absorbent article 20 and is collected by the infrared-detecting phototransistor. This can result, for example, in a full 5 volt output. After the absorbent article 20 has received an insult, more infrared from the infrared-generating LED is absorbed by the insulted absorbent article 20 than was absorbed by the absorbent article 20 when the absorbent article 20 was dry. This greater absorption of infrared light results in less reflectance of infrared light from the absorbent article 20 .
  • the amount of infrared light from the infrared-generating LED absorbed by the insulted absorbent article 20 can be greater than the amount of infrared light reflected by the insulted absorbent article 20 .
  • the reduced amount of infrared light received by the infrared-detecting phototransistor results in a reduction in voltage drop across the sensing resistor.
  • one or more paired IR generator/detectors 120 can be used in conjunction with the absorbent article 20 .
  • a block diagram of such a system is shown in FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 6 Experimental data proving the concept is shown in FIG. 6 .
  • An absorbent article 20 of the present disclosure was laid open and flat on top of a standard circuit using a paired IR generator/detector 120 of the present disclosure.
  • the absorbent article 20 was insulted with 10 ml of saline after 90 seconds, with an additional 30 ml of saline after 180 seconds, and with an additional 30 ml of saline after 270 seconds.
  • the voltage output of the paired IR generator/detector 120 was measured and plotted in FIG. 6 . Further experimentation with such a system also indicated a quick response to wetness in the absorbent product ( ⁇ 3 sec) and demonstrated a capability of detecting multiple small voids on the order of 10 ml.
  • similar sensor arrangements can be used with such sensor arrangements using visible, ultraviolet, or other infrared wavelengths.
  • Infrared LEDs are preferable as an infrared-generating source because of their low power requirements, allowing for longer life for a given battery or other power source.
  • Suitable paired IR generator/detectors such as an AVAGO Technologies HSDL—9100 Surface-Mount Proximity Sensor are available from Avago Inc. Additional battery or other power source life can be attained through power use optimization and algorithm development as is known in the art.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 described herein enables a conductor-less wetness sensing solution for absorbent articles that has no impact on current absorbent article manufacturing processes because the paired IR generator/detector is not manufactured as a part of the absorbent article 20 , and because the absorbent article 20 has no conductors positioned therein.
  • the paired IR generator/detector has a quick response time, generally less than 3 seconds, is capable of detecting small voids such as those less than 10 milliliters, and can detect multiple insults.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can be sufficiently powered using a commonly-available battery such as a 2032 Li Battery for a battery life of at least three months. Use of the paired IR generator/detector 120 with its common components also allows the device to meet regulatory standards in the United States and in the European Union.
  • a noninvasive, paired IR generator/detector 120 can be used to determine the IR reflectance of material near the sensing element. As described herein, this technology can be applied to detect wetness in an absorbent article 20 from outside the outer cover 40 .
  • Key challenges, however, with such a paired IR generator/detector 120 are managing the distance of the target from the paired IR generator/detector 120 to have sufficient distance for reflection, and the ability of the system to detect a small amount of wetness from outside the outer cover. Such challenges can be addressed through signal conditioning and algorithms to ignore environmental interferences.
  • an alarm signal is generated as further described herein.
  • the signaling device 110 can emit any suitable signal to indicate to the user that the article has been insulted.
  • the signal for instance, can include an audible signal, a tactile signal, an electromagnetic signal, or a visual signal.
  • the audible signal for instance, can be as simple as a beep or can include a musical tune.
  • the signaling device can emit a wireless signal that then activates a remote device, such as a telephone or a pager.
  • the electronics associated with the paired IR generator/detector 120 are relatively simple and can be miniaturized.
  • the complete paired IR generator/detector 120 is disposed in a housing 135 (see FIG. 2 ) that is adapted to be attached to the absorbent article 20 , or held in vicinity to the absorbent article 20 .
  • the housing 135 can be a pouch or a rigid or semi-rigid housing 135 that attaches to the outer cover 40 of the absorbent article 20 near the region where insults are expected.
  • Such attachment mechanism can use adhesive, hook and loop, mechanical fasteners such as snaps, a clip, or a clasp, any other suitable attachment mechanism, or any combination of these.
  • the signaling device 110 is adapted to be held near the outermost surface of the outer cover 40 of the absorbent article 20 . In this aspect, no attachment mechanism is needed. The wearer of the absorbent article 20 or a caregiver holds the signaling device 110 near the outer cover 40 of the absorbent article 20 to detect whether the absorbent article 20 has received an insult.
  • the system can be configured such that the signaling device will not emit signals within a certain period of time once the system is first activated, where being activated means the system is in a condition to detect and provide a signal.
  • the period of time can vary depending upon the particular circumstances and the particular application.
  • the system can be configured not to emit signals for at least the first 15 minutes, such as at least the first 30 minutes, such as at least the first 45 minutes, such as at least the first hour the absorbent article is worn.
  • steady state is determined by the paired IR generator/detector 120 used in the system.
  • Steady state can be determined when substantial or significant changes in infrared reflectance fail to occur for a certain period of time indicating that steady state conditions have been reached.
  • the system can be configured to only become activated once the paired IR generator/detector 120 determines no substantial changes within the interior of the article for a period of about five minutes, such as about 10 minutes, such as about 20 minutes, such as about 30 minutes, such as about 45 minutes, such as about one hour.
  • steady state can be determined when the paired IR generator/detector 120 senses no more than about 5 percent change in infrared reflectance on the interior of the article for a period of at least 10 minutes.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can be placed in any suitable location on the absorbent article 20 .
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can be placed in the crotch region 26 , on the back region 24 , or on the front region 22 of the article 20 depending upon various factors.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can be placed on an exterior surface of the outer cover 40 of the absorbent article 20 .
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can be integrated into the outer cover 40 of the absorbent article 20 .
  • the outer cover 40 can include more than one layer and the paired IR generator/detector 120 can be positioned in between the two layers.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can be configured to be removed from the absorbent article 20 when the absorbent article 20 is disposed and placed on a new absorbent article 20 .
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 and/or signal device can include multiple settings depending upon the absorbent article 20 to which it is attached. In this manner, the signaling system can be modified based upon the particular product specifications. The product purchased can provide information to the consumer as to which setting to use.
  • the signaling system of the present disclosure can be configured to emit a signal or not emit a signal during a first insult of urine and/or to emit a signal when a second insult occurs.
  • the absorbent article 20 can be constructed so as to be capable of holding two insults of urine from the wearer.
  • a wetness sensing system can be particularly needed for these types of absorbent articles 20 so that a caregiver can differentiate between the first insult and the second insult.
  • the signaling system can be constructed so as to recognize a change within the absorbent article 20 due to the first insult and then readjust the criteria based upon the second insult. Once the second insult is recognized, the signaling system can be designed to emit a signal.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can sense a change in infrared light reflectance within the absorbent article 20 .
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 can also be configured to sense a change in infrared light reflectance after second and succeeding insults as well.
  • the system can be designed to take into account changes in the above measurements when the absorbent article 20 is first placed on the wearer. For example, when the absorbent article 20 is first donned, a change in infrared reflectance can be expected. To account for this change, the system of the present disclosure can be configured to only cause signals to be emitted by the signaling device 110 when steady state conditions within the article have been reached.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 needs to contend with nearby objects that can cause interference. In practical applications, however, such a situation is unlikely because the interference-causing object typically needs to be very close to the paired IR generator/detector 120 . This makes the appearance of an interference-causing object unlikely when the paired IR generator/detector 120 is used in conjunction with an absorbent article 20 . Nevertheless, an interference problem of this sort can be managed by an intelligent algorithm that recognizes and stores signal output once the paired IR generator/detector 120 is in position and activated. The algorithm uses this signal output as a reference point and interprets subsequent signals in relation to this reference point. In other words, the algorithm includes an intelligent zeroing feature.
  • the algorithm takes a baseline measurement, which is automatic and transparent to the user.
  • the paired IR generator/detector 120 automatically zeroes itself to establish the point of zero wetness baseline needed.
  • the signaling device 110 uses more than one paired IR generator/detector 120 .
  • two paired IR generator/detectors 120 can be positioned such that one is near the front of the absorbent article 20 to detect urine and the other is near the rear of the absorbent article 20 to detect fecal matter.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
US12/636,888 2008-12-31 2009-12-14 Infrared Wetness Detection System For An Absorbent Article Abandoned US20100168694A1 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/636,888 US20100168694A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2009-12-14 Infrared Wetness Detection System For An Absorbent Article
MX2012006848A MX2012006848A (es) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 Sistema de deteccion infrarrojo de mojado para un articulo absorbente.
EP10837136.0A EP2512392B1 (en) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 Infrared wetness detection system for an absorbent article
AU2010332429A AU2010332429B2 (en) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 Infrared wetness detection system for an absorbent article
PCT/IB2010/055275 WO2011073825A2 (en) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 Infrared wetness detection system for an absorbent article
BR112012013127-3A BR112012013127B1 (pt) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 Dispositivo de sinalização não invasivo e sistema de coleta e detecção de urina
RU2012129670/12A RU2553008C2 (ru) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 Инфракрасная система определения влажности для впитывающего изделия
KR1020127015214A KR101768242B1 (ko) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 흡수용품용 적외선 젖음 검출 시스템
CN201080053786.3A CN102630156B (zh) 2009-12-14 2010-11-18 用于吸收性制品的红外湿度检测系统
ARP100104428A AR079176A1 (es) 2009-12-14 2010-11-30 Un dispositivo de senalizacion para detectar e indicar la presencia de un exudado corporal en un articulo absorbente y un sistema de recoleccion y deteccion de exudado corporal

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US12/347,539 US8274393B2 (en) 2008-12-31 2008-12-31 Remote detection systems for absorbent articles
US12/636,888 US20100168694A1 (en) 2008-12-31 2009-12-14 Infrared Wetness Detection System For An Absorbent Article

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EP (1) EP2512392B1 (es)
KR (1) KR101768242B1 (es)
CN (1) CN102630156B (es)
AR (1) AR079176A1 (es)
AU (1) AU2010332429B2 (es)
BR (1) BR112012013127B1 (es)
MX (1) MX2012006848A (es)
RU (1) RU2553008C2 (es)
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KR20120104240A (ko) 2012-09-20
BR112012013127B1 (pt) 2021-07-20
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AU2010332429B2 (en) 2016-02-04
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CN102630156B (zh) 2015-12-02
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WO2011073825A2 (en) 2011-06-23
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KR101768242B1 (ko) 2017-08-14
RU2012129670A (ru) 2014-01-27

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